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The application of Pareto methods to multidisciplinary design optimisation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

J. C. Harris
Affiliation:
Aero-Structures Department, DERA Farnborough, UK
S. V. Fenwick
Affiliation:
Aero-Structures Department, DERA Farnborough, UK

Abstract

Multidisciplinary design optimisation (MDO) provides a framework for the timely exchange of data necessary to support the highly integrated tasks typical of aerospace design. This will help reduce the duration of the design cycle and improve efficiency of the final product. Well implemented MDO capabilities will play an increasingly important role in DERA's activities to support the definition of future system requirements and the assessment of new equipment.

The framework in which an MDO approach is realised must be flexible and accommodate the diverse range of individual discipline-based tools that contribute to the overall process. This paper describes DERA's activity within the EC Framework IV ‘FRONTIER’ project to investigate the use of modern graphical user interface (GUI) methods and genetic algorithms (GAs) for the combined aerodynamic and structural design of a modern combat aircraft. The application of the techniques to identify a Pareto frontier in high level design objective space that represents the boundary beyond which improvements cannot be made without sacrificing one or other aspect of overall aircraft performance is described. The scope of the methods as an aid during the definition of system requirements and for the evaluation of trade-offs during the concept assessment stage of a project is discussed.

Information

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2001 

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